Following a 2-1 series win against the San Diego Padres, the Arizona Diamondbacks (36-35) are 9-4 in June.
The D-backs are trailing the final wild card spot by 3.5 games. The Padres, Cardinals, and Brewers are ahead of Arizona for that spot.
At this time last week following a sweep in Cincinnati, many fans were starting to feel this team could be sellers at the trade deadline. That feeling is fading fast following a roller coaster 5-1 homestand, despite it ending with a 8-2 loss on Sunday.
If Arizona reaches 20 wins in June, it’ll be hard to imagine them not buying at the deadline.
The offense doesn’t need much externally. Each position player is settling into his own. The DH duo of Randal Grichuk and Pavin Smith isn’t providing a ton of power but that doesn’t seem to be holding them back.
The focus should be on pitching. With Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk down, this bullpen needs at least two more high leverage arms.
The starting pitching depth is also depleted with Corbin Burnes, Christian Mena, and Tommy Henry suffering significant innings. On Sunday Bryce Jarvis was sent back to AAA Reno so that he can be stretched out as a starter in case someone else gets hurt.
As of now the post season rotation would likely be: Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt OR Eduardo Rodriguez. Is that better than the three-man rotation from the 2023 World Series run? If not, then a move may need to be made.
If another starter goes down, expect Hazen to search the trade market for sure.
The upcoming nine game road trip will show the front office how close this team really is to competing for a title. The snakes play the Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox.
Future thoughts to ponder..
Eugenio Suárez blasted his 21st home run of the season on Sunday.
Looking beyond this year, it’ll be interesting to see if Mike Hazen and crew decide to try and bring him back. The price seems to keep climbing as he gets closer to a 40-50 home run season, but he fits this team so well… Third base feels like the right spot for top prospect Jordan Lawlar to play, but there’s no guarantee he can outproduce Suárez on and off the field.
Josh Naylor is another interesting decision. He also won’t be cheap, but he is an upgrade over Pavin Smith or any internal first base options.
Zac Gallen is most likely gone at the end of the season. Merrill Kelly may be brought back, especially since Corbin Burnes will likely not pitch until June at the earliest in 2026…
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